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a3day · 1 year

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A3DAY Extended Commentary: KAI "Rover" (2023)

DISCLAIMER - An Album a Day is my exploration into the Korean music scene. This blog, just like my podcast, will cover mainstream, indie and some underground artists within the scene and provide both factual and opinionated commentary. The biggest benefit to sharing my thoughts this way is that it will hopefully expose you to more great music and exploration of your own.

When assuming membership in one of South Korea's most well-recognized idol groups, I'm willing to believe that creating solo work is not only a deeply desired opportunity, but a rites of passage. Clearly, it's allowed Kim Jong-in a.k.a. Kai to break away from the mold (or "colors," as K-pop often refers to the energy, styling, and expectations) of SM Entertainment's EXO with two mini-albums.

With this third outing, "Rover," sounds unexpected. There's some familiar deliveries, but you damn near can't put your finger on which EXO album clued you in that he could do what he's going to do on this project. You can't even fully place it on the same shelf as "Peaches," his second mini-album birthed 16 months before this one. If his debut mini-album was sexy-sexy-dance-dance-smooth, then the second was tongue-in-cheek-sweet-sweet-vibes... and this one is grown-grown-borderline-AOMG/H1GHR Music.

You can't just jump around like that, Kaihonetta... don't do me us like this... it's dangerous. (And yes, that is pronounced Kai-ho-netta.)

SM used far better words than I have to express the variety of this album, stating,

KAI has presented different concepts for each solo album released so far, such as 'Mmmh' with a restrained sexiness and 'Peaches' with a sweet vibe, proving that he is a 'world-class performer' who will never let you down. Expectations are rising for the unique music and performance that he will show through this album.

Let's get into the breakdown of what we're hearing, feeling *clears throat* and sensing on "Rover," track by track.

Rover - Bulgarian pop done Kai's way

You've read that right: this song is a reinterpretation of Bulgarian pop star Dara's song, released on Virginia Records. SM embraces covers and the fact that Kai's production team stayed true to the original music and arrangement is a win.

At bare minimum, the chorus is catchy enough to get a little body movement from its listeners. In my case, I keep mixing parts of it in my head with another track on the album, which we'll get to soon enough.

EDIT: Since writing this on album release day, I've come across several conversations on Twitter about this song and how Kai "copied it." We know there are instances of blatant plagiarism in South Korean pop entertainment but this is not the case here. Permission was sought, granted and publicly acknowledged.

It takes so little to search the Internet for reputable reporting and notations about major and indie label work. This was a perfect opportunity to use those keyboarding skills to find the truth.

While I understand that not everyone is engrossed in music to the point of wanting to know who's who and what's doing what, these arguments against Kai's reinterpretation are ignorant. Checks and cheques have cleared.

Listen to my reaction to this song below

Black Mirror - "Boomerang~~ boomerang~~" A song produced with the sounds of its time for mid-trap music, the track wins because it's not overwhelming the auditory experience. Kai plays with pitch and tone throughout the entire track as he speaks about watching someone with provocative angles and enticing interactions. It's easy enough to ignore the music in favor of his delivery. He sounds comfortable yet arrogant and it works. It works very well, indeed.

Slidin' - This man is talking about adult extra-curricular activities

The mood is set as soon as the song comes on. It's a mellow tempo that encourages the body to loosen up and one's head to bob to the beat. Thus, I thought the title was about sliding into one's DMs. It seemed right and my ass was wrong. Kai said, "Slidin'/Strip it down, take it off/Slidin'/You can leave it all to me/Come wrap me up, closely."

It's easy to get lost in the melodic experience but if you take the time to familiarize yourself with the lyrics in the language of your choosing, then you'll find this song to be a solid statement of adulthood without giving too much away.

Bomba - Reggaeton and redundancy

I must preface this by saying that I'm a member of a reggaeton household. I can't escape it when I hop in the car nor can I run from it when my partner is lounging around the house. It takes very little effort to identify its typical instruments; and it's not that I don't enjoy it, but that I am burned out on it.

Now that my truth has been revealed, this song would not work any other way. "Bomba" is on trend, gives a few words in Spanish to make it feel authentic, and has ear worm capacity that syncs with "Rover" (unintentionally?) well.

Say You Love Me - The hip-hop soul track that fits multiple vocals

Let's look at this first from the artistic styling before my fangirl antics surface. The team behind this track must hide behind the mild description given by SM for the song to avoid pearl-clutching behaviors. The label gives us this:

''Say You Love Me'' is a hip-hop R&B song, which directly expresses the wish to have love confirmed in precise words.

Call it a nice way of saying what one with certain life experiences could pick up on: this song isn't playing around with words but seeking physical confirmation. This isn't uniquely Kai's, per se, not in the way we think of "Confession," for example. This track could have found a home with the deliveries of GOT7's Yugyeom and/or Jay B, Bluewoods, or even Dean if he felt like coming back. Any male artist willing to ride the lyrical cadence could have done it, but it's nice to have Kai challenge himself in this way.

Where's the fangirl antics, you say? I scream, you scream, we're all screaming, "Kai, PLEASE." PLEASE! What the hell do you mean, asking me to wake up and feel the mood and "just feel when I move"?!? HUH?!?! BLANKET THREATS, SIR. You're throwing around blanketed threats!

Sinner - A powerful close to a literal phase in an entertainer's life

We've heard Kai use music before to (allegedly) process feelings of heartbreak and loss as a member of EXO but this felt like it was seeking retribution and forgiveness with his fans. After all, we know that sooner than later, his time to serve his country through military service is coming. Could his pleas for punishment with an immediate re-embrace be thoughts about the inevitable next thing? Regardless if this interpretation is true or not, the song rests on a simplified beat and contemplative piano. The baseline and kick drum could deliver more, as it feels a bit apprehensive soulfully, but it doesn't diminish the message.

MY OFFICIAL RANKING

K-pop fans, on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5′s essential listening and 1′s not worth mentioning, the A3Day ranking for Kai's third album is 4. He's provided three albums that have captured the colors of three periods in his life and this one feels like a man on the cusp of new experiences away from the limelight. I enjoyed it and look forward to what's next to come.

#a3day blog #a3day extended commentary #exo kai #kai rover #music commentary #kpop imagines #kpop moodboard

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a3day · 1 year

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Coming Soon (but 3 months late.)

Hey everyone!

I hope you're all doing well today. What I began in December is hella-late so this week's episode is all about RM's first solo album, "Indigo". For those who don't know, RM is a South Korean rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter, and a member of the popular K-pop group BTS. He's released solo mixtapes before, but "Indigo" is his formal introduction as a solo artist with a full body of work.

This album is a reflection of a decade of RM's life, both publicly and privately. It's a highly anticipated body of work in South Korea and in music in general. The album features collaborations with various producers and artists, and it's been praised for its introspective lyrics and unique sound.

I have to say, I was blown away by this album. The production is top-notch, and RM's flow is impeccable. The lyrics are deep and personal, and they really give you a glimpse into RM's life and experiences. The album is a mix of different genres, from hip-hop to R&B to rock, and it all comes together seamlessly.

One of my favorite tracks on the album is "Moonchild". It's a beautiful song with a haunting melody, and the lyrics are so relatable. RM talks about feeling like an outsider and finding comfort in the night sky. It's a really powerful message, and it's delivered in such a beautiful way.

Overall, I think "Indigo" is a fantastic album, and it's definitely worth a listen. RM is an incredibly talented artist, and this album showcases his skills and versatility. I'll leave you with a quote from RM himself: "I hope this album can be a comfort to those who are having a hard time, and I hope it can be a source of strength for those who are chasing their dreams."

I'm looking forward to finally... FINALLY... releasing my super late reflection for your entertainment. Patrons first, then err’body, this week.

#a3day blog #a3day extended commentary #bts rm #rm indigo

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a3day · 2 years

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A3Day Extended Commentary: Girls' Generation "Forever 1" (2022)

SM Entertainment's Girls' Generation (Korean: 소녀시대; Romanization: Sonyeo Sidae), also known as SNSD (look at the romanization again lol) returned with their seventh full-length album on August 8, 2022, entitled Forever 1.

It is the first full project by the group in five years, and releasing it when they did had many of their longtime fans beaming: 8 women, on the 8th day of the 8th month, and 8/8 equals 1.

Girls' Generation's history is easily traceable and their influences are widely known, so I won’t travel down that path. And because of their history, I can't simply say, "Yo, this is SNSD so you got to listen!" Personal interests must not diminish assessment. Instead, we will traverse this latest addition to their legacy track by track.

Forever One - anthemic, energetic, and quintessential SNSD

If there's one word to describe this track, then it's "comfortable." When you've been in the industry for as long as SNSD and make a comeback that needs to sit atop some charts, then this is the route to take. Nothing new, nothing overtly unexpected, yet right on target. And this is what they set out to do anyway, as they aren't trying to compete with the current generation of artists. The title track and lead single will have a summer's-energy to it forevermore and the ladies deliver on what consumers expect. If nothing else, the nostalgia of them, and the chorus immediately declaring "I love all of you, my everything," can pull on the heartstrings a bit.

Lucky Like That - the "Yes, we did it!" retrospective track

If you seek a song from your faves that addresses their realization that you're part of their success story, then this is it. The music is upbeat, fun, and compliments the women telling themselves and fans alike that they know they're lucky. The song is mostly memorable for non-Korean speakers because of the English refrain in the chorus.

Seventeen - the B-side that shines without the group

This is the first true example of the music performing beyond what the vocals give because the production on this track is impressive. Starting with a piano, finger snaps, and mild effects that sound like audio distortions, it’s reminiscent of New Jack Swing.

By definition, New Jack is Black at its core and one of its pioneers, Teddy Riley, has worked with SNSD before as well as established an act that's now in it Swan song.

it’s a nod that SME might not’ve anticipated they’re giving by acknowledging with one of their most acclaimed groups, on one of their best comeback tracks, where the influence comes from.

I credit Deekay members Obi and his wife Charli for this more than anyone, as the production and songwriting team’s catalog runs the gauntlet. And Charli knows her girls, as she’s worked on SNSD projects since 2013. Needless to say, there wasn’t a Black American nor Black British influence on the track, but an influence on the production style and a solid delivery.

I challenge you to find an instrumental of the song with the backing vocals only and realize that SNSD’s vocals are simply accents. The track lives and breathes without them, so much so that label mates Red Velvet or BoA could've bodied this as well.

Villan - fun, dark, but not believable for SNSD

If some of the members took this song on as a solo, I'd believe it more than it belonging to them as a collective group. It's not the first time they've boasted about how untouchable/cool/dope/icy in the veins they are but given the circumstances that it sounds like it would be more suitable for their younger label mates Aespa, it doesn't seem like a solid "character fit."

This is the second song with lyrics arranged by members Sooyoung and Tiffany (with "Seventeen" being the first) and Tiffany had a hand in the music.

You Better Run - the track that you HAVE to hear to believe

You don't have to like SNSD but you have to clutch a pearl or two at this amazing track! This is the only track where it sounds like they were having a damn blast, right down to their ad libs. The production is stank-face inducing in some areas, with very little beyond a synth, distorted guitar and oddly triplicated beat. It's vicious in all the right ways, down to the revenger-tinged lyrics, and placed perfectly within the overall album.

Closer - right for the times and your private playlist

I forgot about this track until the ninth listen. When reviewing an album you're bound to forget something, but I do wonder why it took so long to stand out for me. After all, the production style is disco and we're experiencing a global revitalization of the genre at this time. It isn't a bad song whatsoever, but I wouldn't be shocked if you skip over it.

Mood Lamp - flirtatious and loud

If you look on some social media sites, many are applauding this song more than most. For the average listener, I can't challenge that! For those in music, however, this is where the album's production quality starts to become questionable.

The track is R&B and well produced but the vocal engineering at some points seems inconsistent. Backing vocals and harmonies sit within the music, adding lovely accent moments that enhance the production. The volume of the chorus, comparatively, is loud as hell. If I'm supposed to be feeling smooth and sexy, telling a potential lover that "I would fit you well," then why am I yelling it? Or why are we starting the first verse off with the volume a bit too low? The guitar is drowning out the women as they sing in an octave we don't always get to hear from them.

It's a skip for me.

완벽한 장면 (Summer Night) - a karaoke-worthy song

Continuing on with tracks I'd skip, I forgot about this and the one that follows, despite a dozen listens to this album. It sounds far younger than 30-something women should deliver. Nonetheless, it will resonate with the appropriate audience and be a wonderful karaoke track on chimaek nights. It is fun, but played extremely safe.

Freedom - feels good and belongs on your workout playlist

Again, I forgot about this track. And I'm embarrassed about this one more than the others I've said I'd skip or had forgotten because it's perfectly placed in the album. You want to have that last surge of energy before a send-off, you know?

This is your strut-on-the-treadmill track and perfectly paced for exercise! It's so sassy and they sound wonderful (vocals are well placed, melody plays over the track) and you'll find yourself humming along. The ad libs at the end are soulful, too. This is my second favorite track on the entire album!

종이비행기 (Paper Plane) - *sigh* I'm the problem, not them.

I must get this out of the way now. At the end of the song, 3:12 to be exact, an audio scrub is needed on Taeyeon’s audio.

You can hear her vocal fray and track overlay come into the “oh” which sounds like the audio wasn’t clipped correctly in that brief moment. If you listen to the instrumental of the song, it’s not there. I understand that it’s easily missed by the average ear, I do! However, as a producer, how the hell did they allow that?!?! IT DRIVES ME NUTS. And if you test this out, you’ll be unable to hear it and want to fight me for it. I’m sorry.

The song is wonderful, everyone had a moment to shine, and then that happens. Fucks it up for me entirely! We’re s’posed to be cruising into the close of a triumph!

MY OFFICIAL RANKING

K-pop fans, on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5′s essential listening and 1′s not worth mentioning, the A3Day ranking on SNSD's seventh album is 4.5. It feels like more than one album, functions like a karaoke experience, but is still a win and one of their strongest albums in their discography. Pitchfork contributor Joshua Minsoo Kim said it best with his review, quoted below.

"If Girls' Generation don't have a particular musical identity on Forever 1, it might be because they're from an era before SM tried specific sonic qualities to their groups. It often felt like Girls' Generation were constantly adapting to new sounds... they're having enough fun that it goes down easy."

Time might substantially pass before we hear from Girls' Generation again, but Forever 1 is a good reminder that what they represent in the industry is eternal. Job well done, ladies.

#a3day blog #a3day extended commentary #SNSD #girls' generation #forever 1 #k-pop #music review

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a3day · 2 years

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Upcoming Commentary: Girls' Generation "Forever 1" (2022)

A comeback this long-anticipated will certainly have an abundance of commentary. I'll be throwing mine into the fray some time next week, as "A3Day Sister Show" is scheduled to return on August 12, 2022.

I want it on record, in advance, that the record is worth a listen. The opinions I share don't take away from the fact that the album warrants at least one play through by fans and observers, alike.

With that out of the way, please anticipate!

#a3day blog #a3day extended commentary #소녀시대 #girls generation

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a3day · 3 years

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A3Day Extended Commentary: CL “ALPHA” (2021)

I have -- WE... we have waited, Blackjacks and GZBs.

Arguably one of the most long-anticipated solo returns in all of K-pop, multi-hyphenate artist Lee Chaelin (CL) globally released a full-bodied, 35-minute album entitled “ALPHA” on October 20, 2021 from her own label, Very Cherry, in conjunction with Sony. And y’all, it sounds like nothing we have ever heard from CL before.

Let me fangirl for a minute. MY BITCH IS BACK. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN, PEASANTS!!! WHEW!!! *Gross sobs* WHEWWWW BABY WE WAAAAAAITED UGGGGGGHHHHHH. We ain’t know what the hell to expect, CL? Eh? Not a damn clue? Tracks been all over the place for years, not a damn clue of what to expect was really revealed! HOW’D YOU HOLD THE HAND FOR SO LONG?! THAT’S ALPHA SHIT, I’M GONNA VOMIT FROM ENTHUSIASM~~~

*Clears throat.*

Distance was made fully from idoldom. This is undeniable. She is not under the thumb of the machine (that once was and is now reorganized), that of the Big Three. She is not on the fence between artistic representation. She is 30 years old, and anyone who’s lived long enough to get into and/or surpass this decade of life knows that you step into your cu- I mean your self awareness, in new ways. If you missed the memo when she did “Hello Bitches” and “Doctor Pepper” (both in 2015); and if you missed per-my-last-email reminders with everything that was done from then until now, well... mama’s letting you know for damn sure that she’s grown-grown.

The track list, as listed from Wikipedia, is still updating credits at the time of this blog post. I believe it’s always important to give a nod to the team behind the vocals, ya know? The song lyrics, the rap verses, are nothing without a composition to suit it and talented ears to engineer the sound to perfection.

In context of sound, “ALPHA” is warm and structured nicely. There are production choices that are boomy (big on low end sounds) and boxy (big on midrange tone) but this album moves, bish. You’ve heard me talk about musical movement before but for the unacclimated: each performance -- both CL and music on its own -- emotes. There is a feeling that ebbs and flows appropriately from one track to another. Structuring an album to ride from start to finish without skips is already an art as it is, so you can’t fail the artist and the listener by tossing any ol’ shit together, especially pieces of work from an artist notoriously known for using her mother tongue (Korean) with her second language, English. “ALPHA” wins in this area.

As far as the artist goes, CL doesn’t depend much on low octave vocal stacking, as she maintains the same level of vocal power and tone through most tracks we’ve heard her on over the course of her 14-year-long career. However, there are moments of nice effects on the vocals. So let’s get into these tracks, non-Korean speakers. I won’t talk too-too long, I don’t want to impede upon your own vibes.

1. Spicy -- fun to nod your head along to and say the bits of relevant English

Albeit that this is the first single consumers received from this album, it’s the third we’re familiar with. Much like its sibling “Hwa,” it was a choice. Truth be told, this song ain’t for Us (a...every song isn’t for the majority or other minority groups in other countries, lol) and I respect the hell out of that. It’s for the Asian community, specifically South Koreans, to feel that swag, that drip, and all the other pop culture terms for instilling cultural pride within oneself. Bringing in Baauer to handle the production gives it that dance bass/bounce that is needed.

2. Lover Like Me -- the song on the soundtrack of your life post-breakup that you’ll later hear and memories won’t hurt as deeply

See my review here.

3. Chuck -- the track that you won’t understand until you read the lyrics in your own language and then go, “Ohhhh. Hmm. Okay.”

Nothing like calling out fakers. The word “Chuck” is the sound of the Korean word for “pretend” [Romanized: Cheok] and she’s being playful with the liars and fakers trying to reach her. If you’re not a person who believes err’body has at least one hater, then it might not resonate too much. When you’re 76+ listens into the album, this might be the one you’ll skip over regularly. Might.

4. Xai -- the song that CL decided to snap about grown folk activities

This is the standout track of the entire album. It’s foreplay, without an over-saturation of sex. It sounds airy and her tone is commanding but vulnerable. The vocal arrangement is relaxing and I will be replaying this until my ears bleed, thank yew.

5. Let It -- Another life soundtrack song. Insert the appropriate scene in your head from the film, TV show, or M/V you exist within

“Don’t worry! I can just flow away, always do what I feel like.” Refreshing, and about as youthful as CL sounds anywhere on this album, it has the capacity to take you back to 2NE1′s “Happy” or “Gotta Be You” (both in 2014) with the cadence of her rap, the song structure, and the live instrumentation.

6. Tie a Cherry -- the track where she’s reminding y’all WTF she is

Endurance is essential in the entertainment industry and CL’s letting you know that “no one can see what [she] can see,” as it comes to this next phase in her career. You know what? I have to agree with her from that Owen Meyer’s piece for Billboard from earlier this year, where she said, “I know exactly where I’m going, what I want to do. Of course it’s not going to be the same.” This doesn’t sound like 2NE1, past features, nor does it sound like the other singles she’s released just a few weeks before this album. This track is placed perfectly in the middle and creates a good transition for the remainder of the ride.

7. Paradise -- trap, trap, throwaway Rihanna track

Could’ve gone to Ri and it would’ve worked just as well. Could’ve gone to Migos, Desiigner, or Future and I wouldn’t have complained. As a Westerner, the production style of trap music is immediately identifiable. I’m not mad at this song at all, I can only hope that you have the proper headphones to hear this in its full glory. It bangs. The vocal refrain and the ad libs is it. “My God, that’s a paradise!”

8. My Way -- the song that she tells you off-rip that she’s doing things her way

This genuinely could’ve been named “Alpha” and I’m not unconvinced that it wasn’t the name at some point. It feels like the personification of the album’s title. This shit is gritty, features a rumbling bass, and accents the vocal effects with traditional Korean instruments. It belongs on a/your workout playlist for the days you need the adrenaline boost, truly.

9. Siren -- you think you’ve heard this song before and that’s intentional

The VOCAL ARRANGEMENT!!!! Listen. No, really listen, at least this time it’ll be easy because the song’s fully in English. You hear that piano over a gurgle? You hear how it sounds like the end of her lines travels around you? What about those programmed strings? Oh oh, that little construction sound in the back? This song was crafted to sound like indie pop tracks that you catch a snippet of in a commercial or promo video and you’re clawing to find it again. It’s beautiful, the construction of it. She’s trying to salvage a relationship but I’m telling you this is your guilty singing pleasure playlist entry.

10. Hwa -- South Korean flexing for South Koreans.

We don’t/won’t touch songs that will hit different for the core demographic.

11. 5 Star -- the unexpected summer love bop

Chile, just tell us when you and That Man are marrying and let us join via Zoom. Thank you, Tablo, for lending your pen on this one.

My Official Ranking

K-pop fans, on a scale of 1 to 5 where 5′s essential listening and 1′s not worth mentioning, the A3Day ranking on CL’s debut album is 5. While hoping there would’ve been more to the writing, the album is an impressive return that delivered nothing expected to an audience well-aware of who she is.

#multifacetedacg #a3day extended commentary #a3day #CL #cl alpha #kpop #blackjack #gzb #long live the queen

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a3day · 3 years

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DISCLAIMER - A3Day Sister Show is the less filtered companion to Multifacetedacg Presents: An Album a Day. This podcast will cover various aspects of the Hallyu Wave and provide both factual and opinionated commentary from me and invited guests. From long-form rants and history lessons to storytimes and interviews, please enjoy the show!

I know what you’re here for but I can’t start off with that yet. In fact, I pre-recorded what I had to say but had to go back and make changes based on new information. Hold on, Ahgase, we’ll get there. And don’t take the Clare Berry Kate approach and call it “no fun,” I’m not Jinyoung and this isn’t V Live. The first thing for this debut episode is to share the stories of listeners and supporters of the show. I’m holding your ears hostage for much longer than An Album a Day does, so let not your diminishing attention span lead you towards missing out. Sister Show is nothing like its sibling!

Timestamp this so you can quote me later: I’m genuinely not pressed. Business is business and there’s minimal room for feelings in business. I had moments in 2017 and 2018 where I was hittin’ that Parks and Recreation series finale remix, “Don’t get to cussin’” but I’m good! I have some thoughts, some opinions – a mild diatribe – some rambling that I want to do. I’m not on any Korean entertainment company’s payroll, despite the efforts, so it’s cool. That’s all.

Allow me to toss on my professional voice, less twang, and more midwest local radio reporter.

I am a grown, Black American female fan of K-pop who built a brand off the back of my antics on YouTube. I celebrated my eighth year of being an online content creator on January 13, 2021. That isn’t a credential, per se, but just a few hours shy of my first YouTube anniversary, I uploaded my first video reaction to “Girls Girls Girls”, the debut song from JYP Entertainment’s then newest idol group, GOT7. From that moment on, assuming the role of one of their most supportive international noona fans, I created over 150 videos dedicated to them, some of which are no longer publicly available online. I loved them from the very beginning – before that beginning, actually – and have cheered them on from concert venue rafters, press-pass sidelines, and online on two continents.

I’ve purchased or received their Korean works and fan items, I’ve reported on their performance quality for multiple American publications, and I’ve had an acknowledgment of some sort from each member, particularly BamBam telling me who knew who I was because of YouTube. I roll hard for their individual and collective success. I keep up with pride, and not for some superficial reason. These men owe me nothing. I keep up because their works brought a lot of joy into my life and what they share of themselves with consumers is a reflection of the type of people I like being around. Likewise, I keep up because I’m a music journalist and commentator on the goings-ons of the Korean popular music scene.

This is why I can say with complete confidence and no regrets, that though I’m pissed at how this final chapter in the history books on my boys was started, I love the ending. This is justice, fangirl feelings aside, and I’ll explain how and why. Today’s episode isn’t soft. In some ways, this is a damn read – not in the way that the Black LGBTQA+ community intends, but in the way of the Oxford English dictionary: an interpretation of something.

Regardless of how you interpret it, reading is fundamental. Let’s begin.

On January 16, 2014, GOT7 officially made their debut into the entertainment industry, making waves in multiple countries around the world. And between 2017 until this week’s announcements, dams were placed around them and the waves stopped. They charted, they V Live app’d, they toured, they regularly did individual activities – oop, that’s not all the way true since everyone didn’t have the option. Let’s start again. They charted, they V Lived app’d, they did YouTube videos comfortably – oop, that’s… there’s video evidence of Division 2 treating them like shit. Okay! Again, I say. They charted, they V live app’d, they legitimately grew musically, diversifying their sound with every new album – that’s a damn lie. That’s a lie, that is a lie!

Love our guys as much as you want, I GOT7s, but they haven’t released a new album since 2017’s “7 for 7.” The same production quality, beyond title tracks, is not progression. The same vocal commands of singing in keys that haven’t adjusted themselves to accommodate men, not rookie year boys, is not progression. You know you hear it, you know it. This isn’t coming solely from the space of me having nerd-like capacities about music – beyond their voices being distinct to those of us who are fans, their songs have somewhat blended together. There are some differences, but not enough after that year. Numbers don’t lie – they moved units – but that’s easy to do when there’s redundancy. Their production wings were being clipped.

“But Ashley, they’re writing and producing the later albums! There were many after that! You’re not a real fan!!” Try JYP, not me, cuz I throw production hands and all I have access to is Garageband and a little website called Bandlab and give you musical colors of the rainbow. I’ve grown faster than paid professionals in a professional setting with professional equipment from the comforts of the lid of my toilet seat as an indie producer. Pause. This isn’t a breakdown of their discography but when we get there, I’m tearing it apart, respectfully.

These are not limitations from seven creative artists, but from the label that built them and had the greatest hand in attempting to tear them down. The paper trail is sadly impressive – there’s countless threads, videos, and YouTube personalities with far greater followings than that of my own who brought attention to the negligence of GOT7. I don’t want to harp on it here, because in the end, they brought about their own form of justice. Being smart in business allowed them to close this chapter of their story fully.

So what does it mean to be smart in business, you ask?

First, ownership. The greatest concern for fans and the greatest interest for spectators was whether or not the group was disbanding. When formal news stated that they have ownership of their group name, sounds of rejoicing should’ve been audible. Learning from groups who came before them and their international appeal, we will never know if that influenced such negotiations pre-debut, but owning their name allows them to do as they please, when and how they please. It doesn’t matter if they’re on different labels. It has not stopped Ravi from representing VIXX, three members of Girls’ Generation from declaring themselves still as members, or much closer to home, JYP Entertainment’s 2PM, who were announced this week to be making a full member comeback despite Taecyeon leaving the label in 2018.

Second, partnership. Training as kids and being together in business as a seven-member team, a positive partnership triumphs over hardships. If the issues were amongst the team, a business partner would have withdrawn at this point. There’s no label legally holding them accountable to one another now. They are true friends and brothers in spirit, yes, but they are strong business partners. What can be gained for them by learning from Jackson? Has he not made freaking moves? I so wished that they would’ve formed a division of their own with Team Wang but there are limitations in that, which leads me to the third aspect of smart business: creative freedom.

Now that they are genuinely untethered, each member will have the freedom to learn new techniques, promotional skills, and explore facets of themselves as entertainers, artists, and individuals that will surely bring them together for something amazing. It won’t look nor sound like the system they were a part of because the influences will be varied.

The flipside to this is the long-standing history of past JYP roster members having positive things to say about the label and/or JYP himself. There might be a moment before GOT7 gets around to those same sentiments.

First, Division 2, with their publicly rude and dismissive asses. For those unaware, JYPE provides a team to the artists to manage their bookings, promotions, and other needs. I don’t believe any to be more notorious of the four than Division 2, which was GOT7’s handlers and still is ITZY’s team. Entertain and frustrate yourself with a Google or YouTube search of GOT7 Division 2, I’ll wait. You’re back? Annoying, right?! We can only speculate that the group made their concerns known but if they’re the only group complaining and every other group is doing well… or even aight… then the problem looks like GOT7 and not Division 2. They are a part of the wedge that pushed this group from their original nest and set its members off to fly in different directions. These limitations from Division 2 jeopardized their commitment.

Second, withholding opportunities won’t have them reconciling anytime soon. Mark didn’t get to grow any farther than a magazine cover. Beyond Laws of the Jungle, he was always featured in another member’s starring role. Yes, that’s it I GOT7, swoop in to object by saying our senior member just has a calmer personality. This is true but we don’t know how he could’ve excelled if opportunities weren’t limited. And don’t get me started on Youngjae, that amazing ball of sunshine who had to wait so damn long for the opportunity to write a title track. I’m biting my fingernails in anticipation of his eventual solo work. He barely needed training and development vocally, having the shortest trainee window, so you already know he has it in him. You know who wouldn’t allow that “It” to shine through? Mmm’hmm. Again, this is just a fan’s speculation, I’m just…

Jackson “I used to be your vitamin but you can seek that shit elsewhere” Wang has not smiled since the Flight Log era came to a close. While some of this has to do with growing up and having a shift in maturity, it was also a shift in his capacity limits for the b.s. Chinese variety show Jackson Wang, U.S.A. promotional Jackson Wang, and South Korean idol group member Jackson Wang look the same but all move differently. Only one of those locations is like a wedgie so far up the crack of his muscular ass that he has said as little as possible this whole ordeal. He’s spiritually chafed. Again, this is just a fan’s speculation, I’m just…

Bambam is the only one I believe to genuinely uphold the ideals of Savage7 and possibly, tongue-in-cheek, continue to express some type of feelings about the dismantling of their group via social media. I support it and you, Double B. If Jinyoung had the time he might chime in, but you gotta respect the fact that he makes time for none of this!

And I wish with all my ashy, American, petty-ass might that both JB and Yugyeom find a home at AOMG and/or H1ghr Music or anything else with former 2PM leader, former annoyance to JYP himself, Jay Park. Let them get their R&B on. Let JB have everybody pressed as hell with his lyric choices and his voice and angry dancing face. Let Yugyeom live out his Chris Brown dreams and then quickly maybe introduce him to other artists who don’t have as much of a tumultuous background? Please?! The Giant Baby needs additional influences!

I’m glad that we no longer have to see pictures of them looking emotionally tired in photos. I’m glad that we no longer have to create Photoshop and Canva fan art that promotes them better than their assigned team did for comebacks. And I know Canva is an option because I submitted work to the label during a global search for someone to work with the artists and damn near designed their last album’s cover. I knew the risks of creative infringement! Think I’m lying, contact me and I’ll share proof. It’s already floating somewhere in a tweet anyway.

They legally lasted as a JYP Entertainment idol group for 7 years. For any other group, it would be the 7-year curse of the K-pop industry but for my boys… the young men who I will continue to run along with until the absolute, for real-for real very ends… this was for the best. That 7 is for luck and I wish them all the best. Thank you for being a part of the soundtrack of my life. On to the next chapter.

Bye y’all.

#multifacetedacg #a3day sister show #a3day extended commentary #GOT7 #kpop #tbt

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a3day · 3 years

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Coming Up on the A3Day Blog

I’m excited as hell, I can’t lie. I had some rambling I wanted to do but things just became soooo much better.

Next week, I’m doing a “dramatic reading” of an article about my ultimate bias, wondering out loud where some of my favorite disbanded artists are now, bopping to CL’s full album comeback; and now, adding commentary for the long-anticipated return of 2AM!

Good stuff. It’s all good stuff. The momentum I need before recording podcast episodes lol. Are you ready?

#multifacetedacg #a3day #a3day extended commentary #t.o.p #choi seunghyun #CL #2AM #jo kwon #podcast blogging #podcast

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a3day · 3 years

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Where Do the Disbanded Go? Part 1

(Maybe you got the Paula Cole reference, maybe not. I’m giggling either way.)

Thinking about some of my favorite idols from the past and wondering what they're doing now, after disbanding. Number one forever and always: Where the hell is HOTSHOT's leader, Choi Jun Hyuk? Is he just in the grocery checkout looking devastating without compensation now? Whew that Cat Boy was FOINE. Upsettingly! The group had a sound I loved and he had a penchant for old American ballads.

As a 92-liner tho’, he’s likely on his way (or already is) enlisted. It works my nerves. He was a trainee at SM Entertainment alongside another HOTSHOT member but liiiiike why’d y’all let him go, SM Entertainment -- the Leader in Entertainment, or whateva y’alls slogan is?! The longevity he could’ve had. The Cat Boy energy y’all could’ve had in SuperM or NCT Look at All Them Chickens, like... a damn opportunity was missed.

If you knew nothing of them or nothing beyond “that one member who was in Wanna One,” then fall in love with them and be annoyed that their time is done lol. (Yeah lol buuuut I’m deadass salty.)

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Or what about SPICA, the young women who very well could’ve brought back the power that senior idols Big Mama have? Theirs was a group that their label might not have had enough capacity to do what they needed done BUT THEY DIDN’T 100% FAIL THEM EITHER! Mamamoo was the group that pushed into their lane and ascended but stillllllLLLLLL!?!?!?!

The video here does no justice to their vocal performance. Be not distracted but the video. Be a retroactive fan, eh? I’ll be back to compla-- I MEAN, REFLECT...

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#multifacetedacg #a3day extended commentary #kpop #disbanded groups #HOTSHOT #SPICA #sm entertainment

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a3day · 3 years

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A3Day Extended Commentary: CL “Lover Like Me” (2021)

On September 29, 2021, CL released “Lover Like Me,” the second digital single from her upcoming (and long-AF-awaited) solo album Alpha (October 2021). Since 2013′s debut solo, “The Baddest Female,” while still with YG Entertainment until now, we’ve experienced a variety of efforts from her.

While “Lover Like Me” isn’t the most experimental, it does contribute to placing CL as more than just a rapper. Yes, she can do what needs to be done as a rapper, but it seems as if some forget that she is able to sing, too. Ta-da, an(other) opportunity with this single.

Here in the United States there’s a Wikipedia about this and a few International articles already made, so I won’t rehash that information. Instead, I want to talk about the musicality and perceived limitations.

Initially, I wasn't impressed. Days later, I'm still not. It isn’t “bad” but the song lacks motion. And that bites despite my feeling that this isn’t a shock -- producer Freedo has a tendency to create songs that don’t “move” much. There’s a predictability that the Swiss-born producer maintains in his style with select artists; and the best example within the same musical world is that of G-Dragon and Taeyang’s “Good Boy” (2014). (Adjacent off the top, his production on CRO’s “Meine Gang,” which is also an American West Coast culture cosplay video. *Inserts tongue in cheek*)

By definition, I’m not saying the man doesn’t make hits. I’m saying that “Lover Like Me” has no layers within the production choice, including the vocal arrangement. The musicality is consistent though not exciting. Ultimately, it's a track that'll remix with ease for dance scenes. And although Freedo did this project with Nick Lee, Freedo does have deejay clout so that remix-simplicity vibe makes sense.

That aside, CL has consistency in her own delivery. The artist came together with five other writers to compile lyrics that are broad enough for listeners to have their last cry over a certain someone or to lip sync on TikTok as they show off their makeup artistry. When the song ultimately concludes with CL’s style of Konglish rap, they committed to a little clapback/claptrap action. Oh, she’s saying some things but also saying nothing. This is common in rap when translating Korean into English and other languages -- some nuance is lost, even if the derivatives are as close as possible:

백이면 백 내가 하면 잘돼 (If it's a hundred, it's okay if I do it) 나의 기지배들 놀때가됐어 다 함께 (It's time to play, all my bosses)

Sooooo, is she talking money (no, based on the use of ~면 but maybe?!) or she’s talking about when something has to be done at peak levels here? If she’s telling the person that they won’t find another like her, then why is it time to play? Who’s the bosses, the boss bitches she calls us GZB, her fanbase? It’s not this deep, of course, but what the hell’s happening here lol.

Nonetheless, what I AM LOVING, unequivocally, is the fact that she's trying various things out and balancing the facets of her entertainment career and personality. We’ve received 16 singles from CL over the course of 12 years, with a 2019 EP that possibly felt so good because we’d waited so long for it. The two singles from the upcoming studio album are not two sides of the same coin and that type of risk has to be applauded.

We’ll see what happens. I’ll be as ready as I can be for my fave.

#multifacetedacg #a3day #a3day extended commentary #kpop #CL

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a3day · 3 years

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This blog is intended as a space for extended commentary for two podcasts, An Album a Day (usually referred to as A3Day), and A3Day Sister Show. These shows are focused primarily on Korean pop music commentary and the content within this blog will correlate with that.

Due to the nature and demands of the the podcasts, this blog will be updated as frequently as possible. Content will predominantly move within the areas below.

Deeper dives into songs and/or album themes

Quotes and interviews

Artists with new entries to their discography after they’ve been addressed on the podcast, and

Rants and musings

I’ll do my best to keep this consistent and seek out support when needed. Enjoy!

#multifacetedacg #podcast #a3day #a3day sister show #podcast blogging #music commentary #kpop

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a3day · 2 years

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Show Notes - ATEEZ: Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer (2020)

An Album a Day is my exploration into the Korean music scene. This podcast will cover mainstream, indie and some underground artists within the scene and provide both factual and opinionated commentary. The biggest benefit to sharing my thoughts this way is that it will hopefully expose you to more great music and exploration of your own.

I was thoroughly impressed with ATEEZ’s growth over the course of four albums last episode. As we conclude the Treasure albums, will the young men deliver on a solid ending to that era? Treasure Epilogue: Action to Answer, right after the drop.

You’re tuned into An Album a Day. Show, start.

Hey y’all. The Treasure era (or, extended debut era), which began in October 2018 came to its conclusion on January 6, 2020, for ATEEZ’s South Korean discography. The era also saw three releases in Japan, carrying on the theme of wild adventure and discovery for 16 months. By this point in their career, the gentlemen have established solid footing in hip-hop and EDM genres. They’ll certainly close things up with an album that delivers on that energy, right?

Action to Answer features five tracks, “Answer,” “Horizon,” “Star 1117,” “Precious,” and “Outro: Long Journey,” and is just under 16 minutes of listening time. As we’ve heard before, Eden and his creative team took the reins on this album and gave us something that focuses on all ATEEZ’s colors – ballads included – to insist that you anticipate more. The standout and most unexpected track on here is “Star 1117.” The ballad opted for more live instrumentation than their other tracks and showcases lovely melodies. More importantly, the song is in celebration of their fans. There’s nothing more intimate and joy-inducing than songs from your favorite artists with you in mind. ATEEZ likely got a few tears of gratitude from fans with this one. What I like about the placement of this track especially is that it is followed by a brooding, Eurobeat track that’s impossible to not at least nod your head along to.

K-pop fans on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being essential listening and 1 not worth mentioning, the A3Day rating for Action to Answer is a 5. The album is perfect. The sequencing makes total sense and the sonics are consistent. In the outro we’re asked if we’ve finally found our treasure and I must say, to this group’s fandom, indeed they have. We still have a lot of discography to experience of theirs and I still haven’t watched any music videos except those associated with their debut album. I’m not saying I’m going down the rabbit hole deep, but I am saying that they’ve set a high bar. Let’s run along together and listen to more.

There’s sponsored ads and social media hashtags but this show is truly supported by the efforts of my MACGoalas, the most amazing fan base a lil’ entertainer could ever have. Special shout out to my Patreon patrons -- the Freshmen, Student Body, the Scholars, and the Staff -- who keep my vision of becoming your favorite foreign Korean music historian, exploring all the industry from A to Z a real thing. If you’re interested in supporting the growth of this content, please visit patreon.com/multifacetedacg and for as little as $1.00 a month, you can get in on the magic.

Interested in continuing your support at the free-99 price? I love you for it. You can still engage with the show and me, your lovely host, when you retweet, repost, and share the show and use #a3day. And please consider leaving a few stars or a review on Apple, iTunes, IMDb, or Podchaser to keep things growing in the right direction. Thank you for listening and I’ll catch you in the next episode. Bye y’all.

#multifacetedacg #kpop #a3day #podcast #a3day blog #ateez

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a3day · 2 years

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I posted 28 times in 2021

26 posts created (93%)

2 posts reblogged (7%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 0.1 posts.

I added 91 tags in 2021

#multifacetedacg - 24 posts

#kpop - 19 posts

#a3day - 16 posts

#podcast - 11 posts

#a3day extended commentary - 5 posts

#cl - 4 posts

#a3day sister show - 4 posts

#sm entertainment - 3 posts

#choi seunghyun - 3 posts

#gmpd - 2 posts

Longest Tag: 55 characters

#2020 online concerts from sm burned me out on this song

My Top Posts in 2021

Coming Up on the A3Day Blog

I’m excited as hell, I can’t lie. I had some rambling I wanted to do but things just became soooo much better.

Good stuff. It’s all good stuff. The momentum I need before recording podcast episodes lol. Are you ready?

4 notes • Posted 2021-10-11 21:47:40 GMT

Upcoming Commentary: CL “Lover Like Me” (2021)

This seems like the best place to start, especially since A3Day won’t focus on solo acts for at least another *thinks*... 2 or 3 years. I shared a lil’ on Twitter already but I’m looking forward to getting into this and the full album soon.

5 notes • Posted 2021-10-02 01:04:54 GMT

Allow me to toss on my professional voice, less twang, and more midwest local radio reporter.

Regardless of how you interpret it, reading is fundamental. Let’s begin.

See the full post

6 notes • Posted 2021-10-07 14:01:06 GMT

I Said I Wouldn’t Come Back to tumblr and Other Things I’ve Told Myself

I felt triumphant when I deleted my old tumblr account. With the closing of 4 blogs, I could almost hear the American eagle screeching in glory above my self-inflated head. The crack of the wind upon the American flag could be heard, I promise. (My imagination when I have these feelings runs wild.)

I was so gassed up about it all because the Original Four (that’s what I called them. No, I didn’t, actually. It currently sounds good. I’m keeping it.) were closely tied into a time in my life when things were all over the place. I mean that in the literal sense, too. That was then, and this is now.

Then I started thinking, what else have I told myself recently? Not necessarily things that I’ve changed my mind about, but just what do I say? Well...

No, no you cannot eat all the dinner rolls. You’re gonna be sick.

I just want my stomach to not roll over my pants anymore...how much gym does that take?

There have been some flat-out severe setbacks but my comeback game is relentless

I’ll never be able to get enough momentum to meet the goal of being the premiere Google reviewer for K-pop albums I’ve already listened to because geez it’s a lot

Evidently, I am not new to the blogosphere but this will be a different approach. I have music-focused podcasts that took the place of me “having” to be on YouTube and now what I want to say in my scripted and unscripted shows needs a different space for exposition. It’ll be fun, I think...I hope?

So, I am back.

- Ashley

8 notes • Posted 2021-10-02 00:54:38 GMT

A3Day Extended Commentary: CL “ALPHA” (2021)

I have -- WE... we have waited, Blackjacks and GZBs.

*Clears throat.*

See the full post

18 notes • Posted 2021-10-20 17:13:04 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

#my 2021 tumblr year in review #your tumblr year in review

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